Cultural Dynamics and Influences in Jalisco’s Central Plateau during the Late Classic-Epiclassic Period: The Case of El Palacio de Ocomo

Summary

The El Grillo Complex (AD 300-600) of Jalisco’s central plateau, as defined by Galvan in the Atemajac Valley, is recognized as a dynamic and changing society that was integrated in the emergent Epiclassic cultural system of the Mesoamerican northwest. The excavations done in the last few years at El Palacio de Ocomo by the Oconahua Archaeological Project reveal a close relationship between this site and the El Grillo Complex. At the same time, ceramic analysis show elements that are considered diagnostic in assemblages from distinct northwestern Mesoamerican societies established at the site in the same period. Samples dated via radiocarbon-14 allow us to establish the constructive chronology, which in turn helps explain the drastic changes in the architectural patterns of the main structure at El Palacio de Ocomo. These results support current hypotheses regarding the site's origins and its contacts with other regional actors.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• Connections and Complexity: Shifting Perspectives and Current Research in Western Mesoamerica

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